Alfa out to steal buyers' hearts

Alfa Romeo reckons the hatchback sector in New Zealand will never be the same again once the new 147 model lands early next year.

The Italian carmaker, brimming with bravado since the success worldwide of the four-door 156, will drive the sophisticated dynamics of the 147 straight into Volkswagen Golf territory.

Even the price of the standard 1.6-litre model is expected to be similar to that of the Golf, around the mid-thirties. Alfa is also expected to tackle the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and the Audi A3.

In a first for the small hatchback segment, the 147 will come with six airbags as standard - dual front, dual side and two window bags.

The 147 will be officially launched at next month's Turin motor show. Meanwhile, Alfa Romeo is circulating "teaser" photographs to whet the appetites of potential buyers.

The 147 sits on a shortened 156 platform and uses many of the bigger car's components, including its suspension, double wishbones at the front and MacPherson struts at the rear.

The car will initially be available as a three-door only - a five-door will hit the market in Europe in about two years.

The look of the car will attract buyers with a knowledge of Alfa Romeos. The V-shaped bonnet tails off towards the grille and intentionally echoes that of the 6C 1500 Villa d'Este of 1949.

Alfa Romeo importers the Azzurra Motor Group are evaluating which of the three optional Twin Spark engines it will import.

The entry level car comes with a 1.6-litre four-cylinder developing 77kW. There is also a 1.6-litre which prodces 88kW. Top of the line is a 2.0-litre engine producing 110kW. Transmissions include a five-speed manual and Selespeed automatic.

Standard equipment and safety devices are expected to be up with the best in class, with climate control air and Bose sound system for comfort and anti-lock brakes and electronic stability systems to help keep the careless driver on the straight and narrow.